Welcome to Immune System Booster Guide, a free resource specializing in information pertaining to colds, flus, influenza, viruses, and more.

 

 

The common cold is one of the leading causes of missed work and school absences in the United States. Since the days of Louis Pasteur, doctors, scientists and layperson alike have searched for a cure for the common cold.

 

 

Influenza or the flu is also frequently sited as a reason for missed days at work or school. Flu symptoms may be even harder to deal with than those of the common cold.  However, much more serious than the missed work or school days and the impact on the economy from such absences  are the health consequences.

 

 

All of us know how horrible it feels to be housebound due to the cold or flu.

 

Complications arising from influenza and pneumonia was one of the leading causes of death in 2003, with 65,163 deaths being attributed to influenza or pneumonia. Because viruses are to blame, at least initially for these conditions, they are difficult to treat.

 

 

As you may know, antibiotics only kill bacteria and bacterial infections, but have no effect on viruses. Some doctors say that pneumonia is easier to treat than the flu, since pneumonia typically responds well to antibiotics.

 

 

The antiviral medications that are currently available to treat influenza must be taken with the first two days of becoming ill and may reduce influenza symptoms and reduce recovery time, but recent evidence indicates that the influenza viruses currently circulating in the United States have become resistant to these anti-viral medications.

 

 

And, as with all prescription medications there may be unwanted side effects, many of which are the same as the flu symptoms they are designed to relieve. So, the focus shifts to prevention or vaccination.

 

Recent reports about new cases of pandemic and Avian flu have generated a great deal of fear among the public, sending more and more people to stand in line for a flu “shot”. Due in part to the fact that more people want the flu vaccine and to the fact that the composition of the vaccine must be changed yearly, doctors, hospitals and other health care providers have had very limited supplies of flu vaccines over the past few years.

 

The best thing that all of us can do, in our opinion, no matter our age or if we have children is to maintain a healthy immune system and practice good health health habits. For those of us who have children, we should make every effort to teach them good health habits as well. Proper nutrition, regular exercise and simple things like washing our hands are all important.

 

 

Our mission on this site is to not only bring you information, but to discuss conventional medical treatments in more detail....in addition to alternative therapies, such as nutritional supplements to keep your immune system optimal.

 

 

Please look around and we hope you find our site helpful.